Hotel San José

Austin, TX

A 1930s motor hotel in an eclectic district of South Austin was transformed from low-rent lodging into a hip, modern destination. Rooms in the existing three buildings were restructured, and a new 16-room building was added in the former parking lot to create a central courtyard. This communal courtyard space serves as an outdoor lobby, lounge and pool area. Original architectural details, such as tile shed roofs, parabolic arches, arbors and porches, were repeated throughout the complex. Gardens of native Texas plants tie the buildings together. The hotel has attracted both transient visitors and locals alike, serving as a lively gathering place along South Congress. Photography: Casey Dunn & Andrew Shapter; Video: Bluestack Media